Chapter 753 Unpredictable
Egypt is a magical country. Although the total area exceeds 1 million square kilometers, except for the narrow strip of the Nile River Basin, most of it is desert, so there are two maps of Egypt. One is a nearly square shape measured with a ruler in Britain, and the other is a slender strip that only includes the Nile River Basin.
Egypt’s arable land only accounts for 3.7% of the country’s total area. The main crop is cotton and it relies heavily on imported food.
Egyptians did not grow cotton to develop the Egyptian textile industry, but to provide raw materials for the British textile industry. The history of growing long-staple cotton in Egypt can be traced back to the early 19th century.
This explains why Fouad is so eager to take back the Suez Canal.
Egypt's four major economic pillars in the 21st century are: oil and gas, tourism, remittances, and the Suez Canal.
At this time in 1923, Egypt’s oil and natural gas resources had not yet been discovered, the tourism market was in urgent need of development, and the Suez Canal was controlled by the British. As for the remittance income——
To be honest, just give it to the British. With the little money people earn from working, it’s good to be able to support themselves.
The key to why Fuad had the courage to fire on the British was that Felix, in addition to promising to give Egypt more dividends, also promised to send a guard to protect the safety of Fuad and his family.
Although Egypt is so violent, the Egyptians actually know very well that even if the United Kingdom hands over the management of the Suez Canal, it will not be Egypt's turn to take over.
The strength of the jungle society is the last word. The canal company can collect tolls because Britain is strong and merchant ships from other countries have to pay the tolls honestly.
If it were Egypt, they wouldn’t be able to collect a penny.
As for the safety of Fouad and his family.
Since the British have the ability to make Fouad king, they also have the ability to make Fouad die overnight. This is the tragedy of a small country with few people. Not only can they not control the fate of the country, they can't even protect their own safety. ensure.
Due to the strong intervention of the League of Nations and Russia, the British government finally had to face up to the canal crisis.
At the plenary meeting of the League of Nations on September 15, Joseph, a representative of the Canal Company, showed the land lease agreement signed between the Canal Company and the Ottoman Governor, saying that the Canal Company’s operating rights should continue until 1956. Before that, the Canal Company would not operate the canal. management and the Egyptian government to engage in any form of negotiation.
Nasser argued hard, accusing the canal company of never paying Egypt its due dividends as originally agreed.
When renting land, the original agreement is used as the basis. When the money is divided, the agreement is just a piece of waste paper. This is indeed very British.
“Wait, doesn’t the Ottoman Empire no longer exist? So is this document still valid?”
The melon-eating representatives were eye-opening. Grand Duke Nikolayevich actually It's starting to make sense, it's really a long time to see.
Joseph then produced a second document, which was signed by Fouad before he ascended the throne, recognizing the canal company's management rights over the Suez Canal.
“This document must have been signed by His Majesty Fouad under duress and has no legal effect at all.”
Little Nicholas’ true colors were revealed.
"Your Excellency, the Grand Duke, it is not up to you to decide whether it has legal effect."
Joseph couldn't bear it. This is a matter between the canal company and the Egyptian government and has nothing to do with Russia.
"What the hell are you? How dare you speak nonsense in front of me!"
Little Nicholas cursed loudly, letting Joseph fully understand what Russian style is.
Since Nicholas Jr. has repeatedly been full of fire in plenary meetings of the League of Nations, Clemenceau reminded Nicholas Jr. to pay attention to diplomatic demeanor and not to affect Russia's national image because of his words and deeds.
Little Nicholas responded to Clemenceau’s reminder during the reporter’s interview.
“Even if a robber puts on a tuxedo, he can’t hide his true nature as a robber. When Mr. Clemenceau reminds others, can he first see if his butt has been wiped clean?”
"If these documents are valid, then please ask the canal company to settle the rent that should be paid to Egypt over the past 70 years."
If Nasser does not quarrel, he will either pay or get out.
Joseph said he could negotiate with the Egyptian government on income distribution.
But the premise of the negotiation is that it will be calculated from the establishment of the Egyptian government. The previous matters will be written off and will not be mentioned again.
The Egyptians wanted more than the canal company wanted to give.
The Egyptian government not only requires the canal company to make up for the arrears, but also requires compensation for the 120,000 people who died during the construction of the canal. Some of these 120,000 people not only died of hunger, disease, and exhaustion, but also were killed by the canal company, and some died of thirst.
The first few ways of death are all understandable.
What is going on when you die of thirst?
Does the canal company not even provide drinking water?
In the past, Egypt had no ability and could only accept this result.
Now that there are people supporting us, we must settle the old and new accounts together.
While the Canal Company and the Egyptian government were fighting in the League of Nations court, the League of Nations troops officially entered the canal zone.
The composition of the League of Nations army is very complex. Although the total strength is less than 10,000, all member states participate.
Russia, Britain, and France sent the most troops, with each country having about 2,500 troops.
Egypt sent few troops, with less than 50 troops.
50 people were given to the League of Nations, not even enough for guides.
When the ships carrying the League of Nations troops arrived at the mouth of the canal, they were intercepted by the British Mediterranean Fleet.
"Charge! Rush directly over!"
Russian commander Major General Yuri Kusyazov dismissed it.
"No, that will trigger a conflict with the Mediterranean Fleet."
French commander Major General Bradley firmly opposed it. He did not want to cause trouble.
“What’s your opinion?”
Kusyazov asked Major General Henry his opinion.
The main commanders of the League of Nations army are these three people, who are from Russia, France, and Britain.
"Our mission is to enter the canal zone. When factors beyond our control arise in the mission, we should-"
As soon as Henry's long speech began, he was interrupted by Kusyazov.
“Okay, I know what you mean——”
Kusyazov stopped talking nonsense, and the merchant ship "Oli" with 250 Russian soldiers suddenly accelerated towards The Mediterranean Fleet's waiting destroyers rushed over.
"The enemy ship is approaching, requesting fire——"
The captain of the destroyer USS Buckley immediately reported to the flagship of the destroyer squadron.
When the Mediterranean Fleet set out, different response plans were formulated in response to the reaction of the League of Nations forces. The destroyer squadron was authorized to block it. When the situation was serious, it could use methods such as crowding to force the League of Nations fleet to change. heading, but no firing.
Once opened fire, the situation could get out of control.
The British considered all possibilities, but the only thing they did not consider was what to do if the fleet was hit by a League of Nations ship.
The League of Nations troops were traveling on civilian ships. If they were to be rammed back, the merchant ship would definitely suffer greater damage.
It doesn't matter if it's just a financial loss, the worst thing is losing money.
If there are casualties among League of Nations troops, especially the death of Russians, Russia's response will be equally unpredictable.
(End of this chapter)